Elderly woman in wheelchair robbed, theft caught on tape

(CBS/WCBS) NEW YORK - The hunt is on in Brooklyn for a thief caught on video snatching the purse of an elderly, wheelchair-bound woman.

According to CBS station WCBS, authorities said the incident took place in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick on July 20.

The surveillance video was released Wednesday by police in which it appears the suspect - described as a white male approximately 6-foot and 180 pounds - first walks past the 78-year-old victim riding in her motorized wheelchair before turning around, snatching the purse and running off in the opposite direction.

Police said the suspect was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt and dark colored shorts with a white stripe.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website.